My Intimate Partner at Oceanside Museum of Art

by Patricia Frischer

Carlos Castro Arias detail

Although this exhibition My Intimate Partner at Oceanside Museum of Art curated by Smadar Samson is undeniable about domestic violence aka IPV (Intimate Partner Violence), it presents survival and hope instead of only taking us down the usual path of terror and harm. The show is divided into four sections Intimacy, Power and Control, Fallout, Transformation.

Smadar Samson says, "The intention is for visitors who may have experienced or are experiencing violence in their relationship to feel less alone, and for the community to recognize our responsibility in showing to survivors, perpetrators and their families that we care, and that we do not look away."

The detail above from Carlos Castro Arias shows the bullet holes in what appear to be a  decorative rosette maybe from a church and is part of the Power and Control room. Each one of the works in this show deserve a close look and a private interpretation.  

Carlos Castro Arias  A gun in the home increase the risk of homicide fivefold (500%) for women, though its danger reaches everyone nearby.

The quotes that begins the show, “…Nothing can be changed unless it is faced.”  sets the tone for an exploration with the implication that actions can be taken that are helpful. The end quote, “…even a fist was once an open palm…” is full of hope.  The  blissful colors of Irma Sofia Poeter’s womb-like installation are a sharp contrast to the manipulation voice in Dark Sound, and the words, “I’m Sorry” could  refer to the victim, but I choose to think they are the perpetrator’s.

Designed by Smadar Samson - walking on egg shells, with dialogue performed by 
Jessica Yaffa (the script writer) and Dave Franco

Irma Sofia Poeter

Intimacy

Tatiana Ortiz-Rubio - the intimacy of hands stroking hair takes on a scary premonition of hair being pulled because of the context of this show. 

Power and Control

There is a cycle of abuse that builds tension between violence and then reconciliation which is so harmful. Keeping victims off balance and doubtful

.

Mely Barragán

Lisa Bryson -Inaudible is the tile for these silent screams

Hugo Crosthwaite

Fallout

Irma Sofia Poeter

VALYA - each circle in felt represents a soul with a testimony (gathered by the curator) below each taken from a survivor at a shelter. Self worth is one of the most important processes in recovery. The quotes below the works are gradually more and more positive as the layout demonstrates that help is just around the corner. 

Trinh Mai - demonstrates time as a healing agent

Trinh Mai detail

Trinh Mai detail

Transformation

Irma Sofia Poeter

Other artists in this exhibition include: Patrick N. Brown, Fatima Jamil, Marco Miranda, The Rosin Box Project Dance Studio (Synergy Art Foundation funded the dance performance at the opening)

Given the widespread concern over the prevalence of IPV in many states, the exhibition is planned to travel to different cities across the United States. The curator Smadar Samson tells us, "At the heart of the exhibition is the collaboration between social service organizations and the art world. The selected artworks serve not only as catalysts to engage visitors in examining their own relationship to power and control but also as a platform for the social service organizations I have collaborated with during my curatorial research. These organizations will lead educational programs on healthy relationships within the exhibition space, using the art to initiate dialogues that might otherwise be too difficult or uncomfortable to approach."

October is officially Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is especially important to list the resources for anyone needing help to prevent/resolve IVP:

Local Services:
WRC  Woman's Resource Center
CRC  Community Resource Center
One Safe Place
Jessica Jaffa Coaching Institute
Center for Community Solutions

State:
California Partnership to End Domestic Violence 

National:
CDC Center for Disease Control IVP
National Domestic Violence Hotline
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
List of national organizations compiled by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services 

Over 61 million women and 53 million men (about 41% of women and 26% of men) have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Promoting healthy, respectful, and nonviolent relationships and communities can help reduce the occurrence of IPV.

My Intimate Partner at Oceanside Museum of Art
Curated by Smadar Samson
October 5, 2024–March 16, 2025
A World Design Capitol SD/TJ 2024 exhibition for Equity and Social Justice.

704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 435-3720
HOURS: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday11:00am–5:00pm
Friday 11:00am–8:00pm

Watch for our report on Hugo Crosthwaite’s Adventures in Color at Bread & Salt  is a Picked RIPE  choice by Lonnie Burstein Hewitt. Photos by Maurice Hewitt. Both of these reports are Oct 2024 features.

Hugo, Mely Branegán and Irma Sophia Poeter are all SD Art Prize recipients. Remember San Diego Arts Prize 2024 at San Diego History Center Oct 24, 2024 to March 30, 2025 featuring Gabriel Boils, Francisco Eme, and Marisol Rendón.  You are invited to the opening reception on Thurs. Oct 24 from 6 to 8 pm. Free but RSVP is required.